Hurricanes News

Gameday: Ducks vs. Hurricanes

This is the gameday hub, where you can find all the latest news and information related to tonight's cross-conference match-up between the Anaheim Ducks and Carolina Hurricanes in one handy location. Make this a regular stop throughout the day, as we update it with notes, videos, photos and more as puck drop draws near.

We'll be rinkside at PNC Arena for the Hurricanes' morning skate at 10:30 a.m., and we'll be bringing you updates then.

Last updated: 3:45 p.m.

BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF NORTH CAROLINA TOOLS TO VICTORY3:45 p.m.

Mike Maniscalco delivers tonight's Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina three Tools to Victory.

Head coach Bill Peters hopped off the bike to speak with the media after his team's morning skate. Here are some highlights.

On the Canes' five-game homestand: "It's an opportunity to get traction. We've been on the road lots, and now we're at home. We're in a real good situation playing good teams. It's going to be a lot of fun. We're looking forward to the challenge."

On tonight's start against an opponent that played the night prior: "It's huge. Starts at home are big, especially when a team is playing back-to-back. We've got to worry about ourselves and get off to a good start. If we do that, then we have to sustain the start."

On the power play without Justin Faulk: "We've got some guys who can step in there. It's about the scheme, really. It doesn't change much. Just the personnel shifts around."

On Justin Faulk: "He's doing good. He skated today, had treatment and is getting closer."

After a month spent largely away from the comforts of home, the Carolina Hurricanes are set to begin a five-game slate at PNC Arena and look to initiate a bit of home cooking.

At 3-5-4 with 10 points in the standings, the Hurricanes are well aware of the magnitude of this homestand, which begins tonight against the Anaheim Ducks.

"It's time to dig in. We've got a great opportunity in front of us," head coach Bill Peters said after a brief practice on Wednesday. "We're at home, we're playing good teams. It's a good challenge. We've got to play well in order to get the wins and two points that we need and want."

Three of the Hurricanes' first four games in the month of November have gone to overtime or a shootout, including Tuesday night's game in New Jersey. Despite Cam Ward making 39 saves through 65 minutes, the Canes dropped a 3-2 shootout decision, their second loss to the Devils in as many games.

"It's coming together. Really good. I feel confident," Peters said. "Wardo has been real good. The penalty kill has been good. There are a lot of things to build on."

Ward has posted a 1-0-2 record in his last three starts and has stopped 94 of 100 shots (.940 save percentage) in that stretch. Expect to see him get the start against Anaheim, a team against which he's posted a 2-2-1 record with a 2.82 goals-against average in six career appearances.

The Ducks were in action just last night, the result of which was a 3-2 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. At 6-5-3 (15 points), Anaheim ranks second in the Pacific Division. The Hurricanes and Ducks split last year's two-game season series, with the road team winning either game.

Hurricanes forward Bryan Bickell, who hasn't played since Sunday, Oct. 30 against the Philadelphia Flyers, did not practice with the team on Wednesday. Peters said the veteran forward was "getting looked at" and did not have definitive word on his status.

On the back-end, the Hurricanes will be without the services of All-Star Justin Faulk for at least this week. In his absence, both Jakub Nakladal and Klas Dahlbeck drew into the lineup in New Jersey, and Dahlbeck netted his first goal as a Hurricane.

CANESPR NOTES: The Hurricanes' penalty kill ranks fifth-best in the NHL at 88.9 percent. … Jordan Staal has points in two straight games (1g, 1a) and is four points shy of 400 in his career.